石榴视频黄色版

石榴视频黄色版

Kaylee Simon Reflection 鈥� Global Health APPE in Bolivia

Center for Global Health
April 07, 2025
Kaylee Simon (second from left), MUSC College of Phamacy student, recently completed a global health project in La Paz, Bolivia. Submitted photos

Kaylee Simon, a MUSC College of Pharmacy student, was awarded a Center for Global Health Student & Trainee Travel Grant in late 2024 to pursue a global health project in La Paz, Bolivia. View more photos of her time in country in .

Reflecting on my time in La Paz, Bolivia, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity provided by Child Family Health International (CFHI) to immerse myself in a new culture, community, and healthcare system. My experience was truly enriching and fulfilling, and while words can hardly do it justice, it left an indelible impact on me.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey was the opportunity to further develop my Spanish language skills while navigating the city independently. Using public transportation, including the iconic teleférico cable car system with its breathtaking views of La Paz was an unforgettable experience.

Initially, I was apprehensive about traveling alone to a foreign country, unsure of my ability to adapt and solve problems in another language. However, this experience pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me to trust myself. My resilience was tested when my flights were delayed, and my bag failed to arrive with me. Despite these challenges, I gained invaluable problem-solving skills that will benefit me for years to come.

Kaylee Simon completed a global health project in La Paz, Bolivia.

Throughout my time in Bolivia, I had the privilege of exploring the country's rich cultural heritage through incredible weekend trips to the Sun Island on Lake Titicaca and the Uyuni Salt Flats. Along the way, I met remarkable individuals like Becca, a medical resident from the University of Kansas, and formed lasting relationships with the medical professionals at local hospitals and my host family. Immersing myself in Bolivian traditions during events such as Carnival, the Alasitas Festival, and enjoying traditional meals allowed me to better understand what it means to be "Boliviana."

CFHI also provided weekly educational sessions that enhanced my understanding of key healthcare issues in Bolivia. I learned about the national vaccination schedule, adolescent pregnancy, and important initiatives like La Programa Desnutrición Cero and El Bono Juana Azurduy. Thanks to Dr. Uribe, the medical director for the CFHI program in La Paz, I was able to gain insight into the challenges of a universal healthcare system, as well as the cultural dynamics of machismo that still affect Bolivian society today.

These educational sessions sparked my interest in a project aimed at increasing awareness of free contraception options available at health centers in Bolivia for adolescent males and females. With Bolivia having one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in the world, 88 births for every 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 19, this initiative aims to promote contraceptive use and reduce teen pregnancies in La Paz.

Additionally, my time in Bolivia provided me with a unique opportunity to learn about the differences in medication management as well as brand vs generic medication efficacy and pricing compared to the United States. Also, it was interesting to discover that Bolivia uses certain antibiotics and pain medications not available in the United States. Furthermore, Bolivia uses the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis, a vaccine that is not administered in the U.S.

Overall, my experience in Bolivia was unforgettable and has left a lasting impression on me. I look forward to the possibility of returning in the future to reconnect with "mi familia boliviana" and continue building on the lessons I’ve learned.

石榴视频黄色版 the Author

Center for  Global Health